Any pregnant runners out there?

[MrsKatie]

Let me know if this is a redundant thread...

I am 24 weeks pregnant and was an avid runner before this pregnancy.  I would have kept it up but was totally derailed my 1st trimester due to the usual (minus morning sickness -- got really lucky there!).  Was exhausted to the point of utter depression and had no motivation - barely got myself to walk a little let alone run!
 

At the start of my 2nd tri I started running again (with my nurse's and midwife's blessing), and I've gone just a handful of times in the past 10 weeks or so.  I'd love to have some support here (or anywhere) from other mamas who are currently pregnant and running or who can relay their experiences re: running during pregnancy.

I'm feeling ok, really can't go far; I was running 7-9 miles/day 4-6 days/week before my pregnancy, and now can make it about 2 miles with lots of walk breaks.  Lots of RLP so I stop to walk it off whenever I feel pain.

Hope to hear from some other mamas out there on this topic!

-Katie

[cwill]

Hi Katie!

I'm 16 weeks pregnant and still running!  I was not an avid runner before I got pregnant (you put me to shame, lol).  I have a history of injuring myself when I run so I was very slowly working my way up and increasing mileage.  But I was able to run through the 1st trimester and am still going strong.  I've even been able to increase my workouts a little bit, but I'm not pushing anything.  

Right now, I'm about where you are.  I run/walk about 3 miles 3-4 days/week.  I hope to keep that up as long as possible and decrease the amount of time that I walk, but like I said, I know there are trade offs so we'll see.  Having to pee all the time has been the biggest deterrent!  I've also started having some pelvic pain.  If it's bad, I only run 3 days and alternate with swimming.  If not, I run 4 and swim less.  I had been going 5 in the first tri, but couldn't keep it up.  I'm trying to do a lot of lower back, hip, and hamstring stretching and strengthening, hoping that will help.

I hope there are some other runners out there that can chime in.

[Millie Ivy]

I've never been a runner, I just don't enjoy it.  I love walking so very much so I typically stick with what I love.  I do however run intervals and sprints.

So I haven't been there, done that, but I have known others that run through pregnancy, at least through the 2nd tri.  I'd listen to your body, keep your midwife appraised of your activity level and pay attention to how you feel.  In a healthy pregnancy there isn't anything dangerous about running.  :-)

[anjsmama]

Hey there! Not currently pregnant but wanted to throw some support your way.  I was not quite as avid of a runner during my first pregnancy, but by the time I was expecting #2, running was absolutely my favorite hobby and I wasn't about to give it up!

I was around  5-6 miles pre-pregnancy. I ran a "base" distance of about 3 miles until 20 weeks. Then it dropped to more like 2 and adding some walking. Typically ran 3-4 times a week, just going when I felt the best. I did run one last 5k when I was 30 weeks (which was also Thanksgiving!). I only powerwalked  from there out, more because of the snow (didn't have an indoor option) than anything else. 

Definitely agree there's nothing dangerous about running during pregnancy unless you have other high risk issues. My doctor was very supportive, she had many friends that ran throughout their pregnancies. Running actually toughens the muscles of your uterus, keeping baby secure and making contractions more effective during labor. Everything about my pregnancy with my DD was easier and more enjoyable than my first and I do believe it was impart because I stuck to running. 

Sidebar: DD is just shy of 6 months and I am running a half marathon on 8/14. I started running (erm.. jogging?) again when DD was 4 weeks and my recovery was all around so, so, so easy. I was able to start working on some real distances by 12 weeks and ran my first ever 10k shortly thereafter. DD is exclusively breastfed. I am in the  best running shape of my life and probably the happiest mental state too... Running is compatible with pregnancy AND breastfeeding....  ENJOY it! Enjoy the world around you while you're out there and listen to what your body needs.